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The Bell-deep

From Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen

This tale is from Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales, first published in the mid-nineteenth century. Andersen (1805–1875) was a Danish author whose stories blend folklore, history and moral reflection. This text reflects its era; a few period terms have been modernised. "The Bell-deep" weaves together local legend, historical event (the murder of King Canute in 1086), and a meditation on memory and storytelling. It is worth reading because it shows how folklore preserves what has been lost and how different voices — the bell, the grandmother, the schoolmaster — can tell the same truth in different ways.

Band

Red · Complex language and analysisTypical starting range: ages 15–17

Length

long · about 1268 words in 4 sections · 2 pictures

Source

Fairy Tales of Hans Christian Andersen, H. C. Andersen

First published

see the About page in the reader

Regions

Canada · United States

Included formats

• · Web reader and PDF
• · EPUB for e-readers
• · Home-print sheet
• · Folded booklet
• · Binder edition (8.5 × 11)
• · Worksheet
• · Quick Check (10 questions) with answer key
• · Read-aloud script
• · Teacher’s Edition (members)

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